Chronic
Sinusitis: What it is, What the Symptoms Are, Common
Treatments, Potential Cures
By
SixWise.com
One
of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States,
chronic sinusitis affects an estimated 33 million people
every year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinus cavities (which are in the facial
bones around your nose) become inflamed. This can prevent mucus from draining
out of your sinuses, allowing viruses, bacteria and fungi to multiply and cause
infection and swelling.
While most sinusitis cases last four weeks or less, chronic sinusitis can last
12 weeks or more. It can also be identified by frequent, recurring cases of
acute sinusitis.
The Causes and Symptoms
While acute sinusitis is usually caused by infection with a virus or single
type of bacteria, chronic sinusitis is usually caused by infection with a mixture
of bacteria or allergies. It can occur at any time but may also follow a respiratory
infection, such as a cold.
Chronic sinusitis can occur more often in people who have:
- Abnormalities
in the structure of their sinuses or nasal passages
- Nasal
polyps
- A
deviated septum (which means the wall between
the right and left sides of the nose is dramatically
off-center)
- Unusually
narrow openings where the sinuses drain into
the inner nose
- Nasal
tumors
- Asthma
- Cystic
fibrosis
- Immune
system problems
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Over
time, chronic sinusitis can actually damage the tissues
of the sinuses. It also causes a number of uncomfortable
symptoms:
- Facial
pain, pressure or tenderness around the eyes,
forehead or cheeks
- Difficulty
breathing through your nose
- Headache
in the front of the head or around the eyes
- Pain
in the teeth or roof of mouth
- Runny
nose with yellow or yellow-green, thick discharge
- Cough
- Bad
breath
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Treatment
Options
If you suspect you may have chronic sinusitis, you should visit your doctor.
He or she may also refer you to an allergist or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Your doctor may be able to diagnose chronic sinusitis upon examination, or
the following tools may be used:
Nasal endoscopy: A thin tube is inserted
through your nose to visually inspect the inside of
your sinuses.
Imaging: Computerized tomography (CT)
scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used
to view details in your sinuses that may be difficult
to detect with an endoscope.
Conventional treatments for chronic sinusitis include nasal corticosteroid
sprays, antibiotics and even surgery to enlarge nasal passages or remove polyps.
However, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent chronic sinusitis
from flaring up and help reduce the symptoms naturally.
Natural Methods for Treating and Preventing Chronic Sinusitis
If you know you are prone to sinusitis, the following precautions can help
prevent a recurrence:
- Don't
smoke and avoid being exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid
spending long periods of time outdoors when pollution
and allergens are high.
- Drink
plenty of fluids.
- If
you have a cold, blow your nose gently and correctly,
using one nostril at a time.
- Avoid
traveling by airplane if you have a cold, bout
of sinusitis or allergy flare-up.
- Avoid
alcohol, which can cause your sinus membranes
to swell.
- Eat
a variety of foods, like fruits and vegetables,
to boost your immune system, which may help fight
off an underlying infection, and reduce inflammation
in your body.
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Meanwhile,
if you feel the pain of chronic sinusitis setting in,
these methods can help reduce symptoms:
- Rinse
your nose with a saline solution several times
a day.
- Inhale
steam from a kettle or pot of boiling water (being
careful not to get burned) or use a humidifier.
- Don't
bend over with your head down, as this can increase
pain.
- Apply
warm packs to your face.
- Get
plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
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